Sunday, July 4, 2010

Jorge Martinez is the first banconero to meet the journalists in the 2010 edition of the Pinzolo camp. The Uruguay national immediately dedicated a thought to his national team that reached the semi-finals in the World Cup in South Africa:

"I was a bit disappointed for not having been called up with the Celeste. I think it was a technical choice because physically I was well, but I am really happy that the national team is having a great world championship. The players deserve it and I wish them the best. I must only think of Juve".

The new adventure inspires Jorge who is conscious of how much the club, coach and supporters expect of him: "The first sensations are nice. I know I have joined a prestigious team with an important history and I’m happy. Last year the team did not have a good season but Juve is Juve and it will return to being the club it has always been, that with a winning spirit. Now we have to prepare well and then try to have a great season".

As from the very first training sessions, one could note Del Neri asking Martinez to cover the wing: "I like to play on the right flank, but the left is fine too – confirmed Jorge -. At Catania I always played on the wing. My characteristics? I like to hold the ball and make my way past my opponents and when in a phase of non-possession, I try to sacrifice myself and run all the flank. I think I am generous enough."

"My idol is Alvaro Recoba but I have my style and am not inspired by anyone. Sometimes I am told I hold on to the ball too much and that I have to try and overcome this defect, also because when one joins a team like Juve he must improve".

Last season Martinez showed his worth against Juve by scoring in the victory of Catania in Turin, but also against Inter with a spectacular goal in the 3-1 victory for the etnei:

"I remember the match in Turin well. We won 2-1 and I scored the first goal from a penalty. Against Inter we won after having played a great match. The unity of the team was fundamental for that victory in a match which turned out to be fundamental for the rest of the season".

With regards to teamwork, Martinez underlined how he immediately felt at home at Juventus: "These are my first days here and I do not know everyone yet but the first impression was excellent. There is a great group, a nice environment and many youngsters and I immediately felt at home".

He then went on to answer a number of curiosity questions, like for instance why he is nicknamed El Malaka: "It all started when I was a young boy. I had a pair of really ugly shoes which they called like that and everybody told me to wear them because with them I would have scored. This turned out to be true and this is from where I got my nickname".

"Off the field I am a normal person: I like to joke and spend time with my family who are in Uruguay at the moment. I have a 5 year old daughter called Lara who I miss very much. Like all Uruguay nationals I like Mate, a typical beverage of my country. It is a sort of tea and I even brought some with me here to the training camp. I drink it in the morning and in the afternoon".

Finally, a promise: "I will give the maximum. I am not a striker but if I manage to score it’s even better. I promise however to provide my team mates with assists and to sacrifice myself for the team".